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Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) Resources
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Leave your baby in the care of a trusted person (family member, friend, neighbour).
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1 - 833 - 456-4566 or text: 45645 (24/7)
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Here are some ways to seek care & support.
Talk to Someone You Trust
If you think you may be experiencing a perinatal mood disorder don't keep your feelings to yourself. Unfortunately, universal screening does not currently exist which means it is often up to the one experiencing it, or their loved ones to recognize. It can be difficult to understand whether you are suffering from a perinatal mood disorder or adjusting to new parenthood. One of the tell-tale signs that you may require more support is not "feeling like yourself".
Seek Community Support
There are a number of community supports you can contact. These include
Call a 24-hour crisis line or hotline:
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Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
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Ontario Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
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Community Crisis Response Service: 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
York Region Health Connection. Call 1-800-361-5653 to speak with a Registered Nurse about emotions, parenting and/or feeding concerns.
York Region's Mental Health and Wellness in Pregnancy and Parenthood website www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/health/yr/parenting/mentalhealthandwellnessinpregnancyandparenthood/
Postpartum Support International Helpline:
Call: 1-800-944-4773
Text: 800-944-4773
Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Although your loved ones may be incredibly supportive, your health care provider (such as your GP) can help you with the next steps in receiving the support you need. You should be assessed for all forms of Perinatal Mood Disorders and you may also be prescribed medication. Your medical provider may also suggest you visit with a Psychiatrist or Therapist who specializes in Perinatal Mood Disorders.
If you do not feel your health care provider is taking your concerns seriously, make an appointment with someone.
Domestic Abuse
Assaulted Women's Health Line: 1-866-863-0511 (24/7)
Women's Support Network of York Region: 905-895-7313 or 1-800-263-6734 (24/7)
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1 - 833 - 456-4566 or text: 45645 (24/7)
Abuse Hurts: 1-833-292-4202
Yellow Brick House: 1-800-263-3247 (24/7)
Clinics & Practitioners Who Specialize in PMAD
There are many specially trained providers who can provide you the support you need. Some include hospital run clinics that specialize in Perinatal Mood Disorders:
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Women's Mood and Anxiety Clinic: Reproductive Transitions (Requires Referral from you medical provider)
Women's College Hospital Reproductive Life Stages Program
There are many care providers who provide private support for perinatal mental health and wellbeing. Many offer virtual care, which allows you to access their support from anywhere.
Christine Cunningham
Carly Greco - Newmarket Psychotherapy Team
Cynthia Marques Counselling
Cherry Tree Counselling
Maternal Health Niagara
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